Here is the moment that former Wycombe Wanderers manager Gareth Ainsworth told his ex-players he was leaving the club.
The 49-year-old officially departed the Adams Park team on February 21, ending a 13-year relationship with the Chairboys which began on November 20, 2009.
He moves to Queens Park Rangers as their new head coach following the sacking of Neil Critchley on February 19.
Gareth Ainsworth’s final message to the players today. If this doesn’t bring you to tears, I don’t know what will 💙 pic.twitter.com/nOb5ihi83N
— Tyron (@tlmfootball) February 21, 2023
His return to Loftus Road, a club where he spent seasons at between 2003 and 2010, also saw former Wanderers assistant Richard Dobson, and ex-Wycombe analyst, Josh Hart, join him in West London.
READ MORE: Matt Bloomfield WILL be Wycombe Wanderers' new manager, club can confirm
Speaking to the players on February 20, a day before his departure, he said: “This is tough.
“It’s been amazing.
Nope. 100% not watching this 😭
— Chairgirl83💙⚽️🍻👩🏼⚕️ (@Chairgirl83) February 21, 2023
“You guys have given me this opportunity and I can’t thank you enough.
“This is a lot harder than I thought it would be.
“I want to go and smash the Championship with QPR and keep that club up.
“In the meantime, I will be looking down at you and hopefully, you’ll be winning those play-offs so you can come and join us in the Championship.
“You’ve got all the possibilities to do that as you’re an amazing bunch of guys and girls.
“I wouldn’t change one thing in the last 12 years*.
“No tears yet which is good, but I am really upset.
Actually pull the heart strings. Not been the biggest fan of his style of football. But he and dobbo built this club from the ground up now time to give Matty the chance to do the same. I think we will thrive under his management
— Steven Gravett (@GravettSteven) February 21, 2023
READ MORE: Wycombe Wanderers confirm Gareth Ainsworth's departure to Queens Park Rangers
“This place has played a big part in my life and I can’t thank the Couhigs enough for backing us.
“All of you can reach the Championship, just keep playing the way you are playing.
Hope to see you boys in the championship! All the best for the rest of the season
— Danny (@DaNnYbOfficial_) February 21, 2023
“Honestly, my job has been so easy recently as you have taken it upon yourself.
“I’m so proud of every single one of you.”
Wycombe’s first game post the Ainsworth era is away at Shrewsbury Town on February 25.
Additionally, Wanderers' new manager, Matt Bloomfield, will speak to the press for the first as the Chairboys' latest coach on February 23.
*Ainsworth spent 13 years at Adams Park
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